What's the best way to manage multiple iPods?

[kaichu dento]

I have three iPod Nano's that I'm trying to manage from my computer and can't update my older 2nd gen. unit without it wanting to do a sync, which I hate.

Why can't I just add the two songs that I wanted to without having to do back flips through flaming hoops?

I'm also trying to save a couple songs before erasing a Nano I bought used but have had no luck. If there's a program that I can buy that everyone seems to think will make iPod life easier, I'm all ears.

 

[RepProdigious]

Maybe a stupid question, but how bout Winamp? I've been using this for ages on my ipods, just copy music back an forth without the whole itunes 'experience' but i dont know how it handles itunes created content tho....

 

[kaichu dento]

I used to play all my music using Winamp and can't wait to see if it'll work tonight.

 

[Black Rose]

I never even thought of trying Winamp to see if it can manage my Nano.

I love that Winamp can play most of my iTunes purchased items.

iTunes itself skips when playing some content :shrug:

 

[Launch Mini]

I have multiple iPods phones etc. Each has a unique name and I have multiple playlists. Various iPods have their own settings to link certail playlists.
So when daughter downloads songs they only sync to her unit.

 

[Ilikelite]

You can shut off the auto sync feature to remove and add what you want. Also, you can backdoor an ipod to take what you want off of it but need the itunes to read the song.

 

[LukeA]

I have multiple iPods phones etc. Each has a unique name and I have multiple playlists. Various iPods have their own settings to link certail playlists.
So when daughter downloads songs they only sync to her unit.

This is the best way. I used to do the whole manual management thing but it was a PITA compared to syncing, whether it be syncing playlists of the whole library.

 

[gorn]

I use a freeware program called sharepod to move music off of my nano's and iPods. It is not reliable for iPod touch or iPhone yet, but they are getting there. Real simple. Plug in the iPod, run the progam, select the music you want and click copy to PC.

 

[stockae92]

under each tab (podcast, music, video, etc), you can turn off sync all or something.

i have my ipod and touch connects to the same computer and i sync them up for different things (one for podcast, and then other one for video + music)

 

[kaichu dento]

I use a freeware program called sharepod to move music off of my nano's and iPods. It is not reliable for iPod touch or iPhone yet, but they are getting there. Real simple. Plug in the iPod, run the progam, select the music you want and click copy to PC.

I tried it out and finally got all the music backed up onto the computer, re-named it and loaded fresh music onto it for my mom.

I hope they keep improving and would really like to see drag-and-drop implemented so we can change play order in playlists.

Anyone not liking iTunes would do well to give SharePod a try.

Thanks Gorn